March 6, 2011

We shrink from this life’s challenges - we plead for watered pastures never touched by pain; but God will often let us sense our need before He sends His cool, refreshing rain.

I was reading some chapters in Exodus today and that message came through me. Its been two months now since I was frequently reading the Bible, attempting to finish it before my life ends and also sharing it to my family, husband and kids in the future. Yes, I am reading the Life Manual. A few months back when I was in the Philippines, Tabby and I got into a life changing activity held once every week. Lasted us like 3 months though but it sure sparked a lot in us all. It talked about The End Times. About what really matters in life when there’s no longer life but eternity. Like any other religious or spiritual encounters I had, it never forced myself into believing all that was presented to me. Fortunately, it challenged me to begin reading the Bible again. I had some issues in the past that made me stop doing so. A lot of you reading this might have felt what I felt. Every time I serve the Lord, I feel that the whole world starts attacking me. All sort of problems begin to sprout almost from everywhere. Its just too scary to think. Or maybe, I was the one attracting in my mind all those negative vibes.  But with the renewed vision of the past, present and future… I can say that I am more mature spiritually compared to what was then.

I have discovered that the moment we start reading the Bible when we are young we see it differently. Like how a kid sees lessons on it. Magically, as I am now reading it for the 3rd time (and attempting to finish it) all I see is a different message. I know, its astonishing and hair raising huh? That’s my opinion though. This life’s manual is a great book created by a Great God.

Going back to the message for me today… I have always wanted to have a close to perfect life. No pain. No sacrifices. No tears. Nothing of the world of pain and sorrow. All I wanted was to serve the Lord and be content and happy. It does work that way but no one here on earth is spared from all the pain.

In Genesis and Exodus, it speaks of the people of the Lord complaining and asking about his help. God may have provided everything for us in the beginning of times but we still continue on having that need for Him. I think it will forever be that way. That we will live life with our Creator. We should never in anyway hesitate to call on Him whenever we need His help. Ask and it shall be given. And as humble human beings we realize that we are nothing without the Lord. And even to the very little things that he takes away from us, only then can we realize its importance to us. God will always remind us of his presence. I am right now realizing a lot of life changing lessons as I have read a few pages of His Gift to us and I feel like it said a lot more than it should. I am realizing that if we only we ask for Him. He would never let us down. He might be a little slow on answering but I’m sure He never comes too late.

And as for you, are you reading your Bible? Take time to do so. I have pledged to myself that every time I take the bus to work, I have to read the Bible. That gives me an hour to have quiet time before I start working. See, it pays to not have a car and to not be complacent about time. I guess He is busy working through my life right now. Letting me live each day slowly. I know He is busy putting my life in order. Putting me where I need to be right now and leading me to where I should be in the next chapters. I trust Him that better days are yet to come.

Lord, you have indeed made me see a lot through this stage that I am in. Living away from my husband and kid is not easy. Having to work very far away from home is no fun at all. But I see your purpose little by little. All the sacrifices slowly unveil their rewards. Thank you for drawing me back to you again. It has been a journey before and I’m signing up for it for life now. Thank you for touching my husband’s heart into being supportive with me on this decision I have made. I thank you for allowing both of us to gear our small family into knowing you all the days of our lives. Guide us in our teachings to our children that we may be able to fulfill our purpose as parents. Lead us everyday to finding that message of happiness and hope that will keep us going. Give us strength Father, for the many many many days and nights that we are apart. Keep us all safe. You more than know what we feel deep inside. You more than know the desires of our hearts, our dreams for the future, our hopes. I pray for our decisions Lord. That each of those may lead us to serving you better. Allow our plans to manifest Your plans. I know that when our plans diverse from yours, and with sincere and honest prayers… We can change your mind and allow us to do what our hearts desires. I pray for my family Lord and to everyone else here on earth that they may “see” You. I pray that they will start to dedicate their lives on living a life with You and for You.